Re: doctors prescription for Physical Therapy

[Guest guest]

Andy:

Do you have a doctor's prescription to see a PT? I've learned from my past that

you need a doctor's prescription to see a PT.

Marin

[Guest guest]

A doctor's scrip is required for PT, but it could be any doctor -- a

GP, a gynecologist, a dermatologist -- even a friend.

I hear the groans all ready, but your primary care physician should be

a rehabilitation/physiatrist whose only interest is helping patients

to live a full life within the limitations of disease.

Here is an interesting website:

http://www.aapmr.org/condtreat/what.htm.

Now, for those who need words of wisdom to smile about, try this website:

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/moviespeeches.htm

One to really buck up the spirit is this:

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechhenryV.html

We should all plan to get together somewhere on October 25!

--Larry

[Guest guest]

,

Yes I have had several scripts written specifically for using a cane (which by

the way no one would write a script including my GP to get one) but after the

assesment they would not do it most said they were worried because I was falling

a lot.  Most however had said over the phone CMT is not what they treat,  When I

tried to get specific instructions for them to work on they just didn't seem to

know how to bill for it and just did not want the liabilty.

Andy 

[Guest guest]

Hi Larry,

I think that the prescription thing must depend on the state. I live

in CT, and when I was doing regular PT last year, they put up a sign

in the office saying that they no longer required a scrip. I inquired

about it and the receptionist told me that the rules had changed.

That makes it easier. My Chiropractor was always on board about

sending me to PT when I wanted, but now I don't need to get a referral

or scrip. That's nice when you're dealing with a chronic condition.

Now if only the insurance co would pay for regular massages. At one

point I was able to get discounted massages and having a one-hour

session once every other week made me move a LOT better! Too bad that

therapist moved away...

[Guest guest]

Andy:

You need to find a neurologist then. That doesn't make any sense. If you are

falling your legs need something to assist them in walking safely and correctly.

Re: doctors prescription for Physical Therapy

,

Yes I have had several scripts written specifically for using a cane (which by

the way no one would write a script including my GP to get one) but after the

assesment they would not do it most said they were worried because I was falling

a lot. Most however had said over the phone CMT is not what they treat, When I

tried to get specific instructions for them to work on they just didn't seem to

know how to bill for it and just did not want the liabilty.

Andy

[Guest guest]

Marin,

I have been to all the major hospitals, well recommended Neurologists even those

recommended on the CMTA site none have which would work with me.  The MDA

Neurologist was the worst of all and told me I am as good as i will ever get and

nothing is going to help me at this point because out of 20 years I was the

worst case of CMT he has ever seen which I still can't believe since I am still

young and working full time and live completely independently.  Most

neurologists will at least pass me along to others who of course do the same.  I

am doing better with the falling thanks to Hanger Orthotics.  I also found

aquatic therapy to help temporarily with pain both paid out of pocket.  I have

not seen much of my problems on this forum so I wonder what I am doing wrong.  I

am very mild mannered and maybe I need to demand that I be seen or get help but

then again if I had to do that then the doctors are most likely wrong for me to

begin with. 

Andy

________________________________

From: Marin <emarin77@...>

Sent: Saturday, February 7, 2009 8:41:08 PM

Subject: Re: doctors prescription for Physical Therapy

Andy:

You need to find a neurologist then. That doesn't make any sense. If you are

falling your legs need something to assist them in walking safely and correctly.

Re: doctors prescription for Physical Therapy

,

Yes I have had several scripts written specifically for using a cane (which by

the way no one would write a script including my GP to get one) but after the

assesment they would not do it most said they were worried because I was falling

a lot. Most however had said over the phone CMT is not what they treat, When I

tried to get specific instructions for them to work on they just didn't seem to

know how to bill for it and just did not want the liabilty.

Andy

[Guest guest]

:

That is incorrect. I live in CT too and when I was recieving PT this past year

in the home I needed a prescription.

Marin

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Actually, it is correct, and it is specific to Connecticut. This is

from the Amity PT website: (http://www.amitypt.com/faq-forms.html)

" Do I need a prescription to begin physical therapy?

As of October 1, 2006, state legislature passed the direct access bill

for physical therapy in Connecticut. This law permits patients to seek

physical therapy without the need to obtain a prescription first. This

would allow you to obtain physical therapy immediately without having

to see your physician or orthopedist first. This law is not intended

to defer you seeking medical attention for your orthopedic care, but

rather allow you to receive immediate effective care first. Once we

begin therapy, we will contact your physician and detail the plan of

care. You always have the option of seeing your physician before or

during the physical therapy regime. Insurance carriers, including

Medicare, fully support this change and direct access does not

negatively affect reimbursement.

This change in state law applies for both exacerbations of older

injuries as well as new orthopedic conditions. Upon evaluating you, if

an immediate need is found to refer you to your family physician

and/or orthopedist, we will direct you appropriately. "

Of course, they will take prescriptions, too. And I noticed that you

said yours was in-home PT, so maybe that is different.

At any rate, I am happy about the law change. It keeps me from having

to make and pay for an appointment with another practitioner just to

get a scrip for PT. Besides, I am one of those people who will not do

the HMO thing. I believe that I am better qualified to determine

which type of professional to access than some dopes behind the

counter at an insurance company. And of course, if I am not sure,

then I will go to my PCP or neurologist first, depending on the issue.

[Guest guest]

I have always had a doctor prescribe Physical Therapy, noting what

the exact 'problem' was, with a list of suggested exercises. From

that, the Physical Therapist has done an evaluation and PT begins,

usually 3X a week, along with exercises to do at home. My first round

of PT followed feet surgery when I was 10, and included swimming and

walking in the sand as part of my 'home' program. (that part I liked)

Then the PT came to my house and manually moved my arms and legs in

different ways. (that part I hated!)

After a concussion sustained from a car accident, I had 'feel good'

PT - heated pads and blankets, then a massage of my neck and upper

back for about 8 weeks. My 'home' program for that was 'rest' i.e.,

take time off from work. (liked that, caught up on all my art

projects)

After my spine fusion, I was prescribed 'aquatic' PT, which was all

about strengthening my muscles and inner core. To this day part of my

aquatic regime still includes what I learned this. (what a blessing

in disguise!)

Last year's PT following Rotator Cuff surgery was brutal. In order to

achieve total movement of my shoulder, The PT had to 'crank' my arm

up and down for the first month or so. I was given home exercises to

do on top of that after each week, using a pully system, work with a

dowel, etc. 4 months of that was the most PT I've had, but it gave me

100% complete range of motion again.

It's either been my Internist or Orthopedist who prescribes PT.

Gretchen